Birmingham New Street evacuation due to cannabis grinder mistaken for grenade

Passengers being evacuated at Birmingham New Street Credit: Ryan Underwood

It's been confirmed that the evacuation of Birmingham New Street Station and the cancellation of all services, was due to the discovery of a cannabis grinder, thought to be a "grenade" at one of the platforms.

The device, thought to resemble the above image, was found shortly after 3:00 on Monday 31 October.

Hundreds of passengers were moved away from the station entrances, as specialist officers assessed what was reported to be a hand grenade at platform one.

Services restarted on Monday evening but disruption continued well into the night.

British Transport Police said: "The item has now been assessed and deemed non-suspicious. It’s a cannabis grinder designed to resemble a hand grenade.

"The item has now been assessed by specialist officers and is no longer being treated as suspicious."

Destination boards warn of limited services Credit: Ryan Underwood

Passengers on busy trains heading into New Street said train drivers were alerting them of reports of a hand grenade at one of the platforms.

British Transport Police teams earlier said: "Officers received a report of a suspicious item on a platform at Birmingham New Street at 3pm today (31 October). 

"The station has been evacuated as a precaution and a cordon is in place while specialist officers attend to assess the item.”

Eyewitnesses on social media, including Joe Street, posted that police have been moving people away from the station entrances.

Passengers are being warned of disruption for the rest the day.

Travellers are being urged to check National Rail Enquiries for the latest travel updates.

What routes are affected ?

Avanti:

All lines are blocked and services are being diverted. Birmingham New Street & Sandwell and Dudley won't be served until further notice.

West Midlands Railway:

Trains are at a standstill in the area and where possible will return to the nearest alternative station.Valid rail tickets are accepted on local @nxwestmidlands bus routes.

National Rail has posted that passengers at Birmingham New Street can use their ticket on the following services:Chiltern Railways via any reasonable routeGreat Western Railway via any reasonable routeLNER between York and EdinburghLNR and WMR via any reasonable route